A 45-foot decorated Christmas tree towers over the Walnut Room, a historic restaurant in the Macy's department store in downtown Chicago, on Dec. 2, 2012.

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For the first time in its 155-year history, Macy's is joining the parade of retailers turning Thanksgiving night into a shopping bonanza. Stores will open at 8 p.m. on the holiday, four hours earlier than in previous years, the company said Monday.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, Macy's is best known for its annual parade in New York City. But its new store hours could overshadow the festivities if they draw the same backlash other retailers faced for opening on turkey day in recent years.

People who weighed in on Twitter called the earlier opening everything from a "shame" to "crazy." Others ...